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Bone Biopsy

A bone biopsy is a test in which a small sample of bone is removed from the body and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other bone problems. A bone biopsy can be taken from any bone in the body.

The bone may be removed through a needle put through the skin into the bone or through a small cut in the skin. A numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is used to prevent pain during a biopsy.

Last Revised: October 21, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology, Oncology

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